Laundering apparatus



July 23, 1963 D. o. MARslLlo LAUNDERING APPARATUS Filed March 3. 1961 INVENTOR. aM//V/C 0. MAAf/z/ United States Patent O 3,098,581 LAUNDERING APPARATUS Dominic 0. Marsilio, Philadelphia, Pa., assignor, by mesne assignments, to Philco Corporation, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Delaware Filed Mar. 3, 1961., Ser. No. 93,197 6 Claims. (Cl. 220-46) The present invention relates to laundering apparatus, .and more particularly to structures employed in washing machines Iwhich operate cyolically to subject fabric articles to a series of washing, rinsing, and liquid-extracting operations.

Certain machines of the general kind mentioned above comprise a drum-.and-tub assembly including a perforated rotatable drum adapted to contain and to tumble fabric articles in washing liquid retained in a tub which surrounds the drum. In the manufacture of such a drum-and-tu-b assembly, it is required that -at least one end portion of the tub structure has a wall which is removably attached to the tub so that the drum structure can be inserted and mounted within the tub or be removed therefrom should it become necessary to repair or replace the ydrum structure. Inasmuch as the tub must serve to retain liquid for washing .articles contained in the perforated drum the mentioned removable wall structure gives rise to sealing difficulties and problems, and the Igeneral purpose of this invention is to overcome and to solve these difficulties and problems.

It is a particular object of the present invention to p-rovide an improved tub structure which insures a leak-proof juncture between Ithe main body of the tub and its removable Wa-ll member.

Other and more specific objects and characteristic features of the invention haye to do with simplified arrangements which facilitate lthe interengagement of associated sealing portions of structural elements of the water retaining tub and which cooperate in a positive manner to form a dependable water tight seal between said elements.

\ Toward a realization of these purposes and objects of the invention, a drum-.and-tub assembly constructed `in accordance with the principles of the invention incorporates novel connector means for tightly drawing an-d securely interlocking associated drum and tub elements. In a preferred embodiment, the connector means .includes a split annular band or strap having two generally right angularly related clamping portions, one clamping portion encircling a collar extension at the open end of the tub, the other clamping portion embracing the rim of a member which serves to support the drum within the tub and lwhich further serves as the wall for closing the mentioned open end of the tub. The tub collar extension and the strap portion encircling the same have interengageable means whereby said extension and portion are drawn one toward the other thereby compressing a resilient packing or gasket interposed therebetween to form a leak-proof water-tight seal.

`The full nature of the invention and the 4manner in which the above noted as well as other objects and features of the invention are achieved will be more fully understood from t-he following description based upon the accompanying Idrawing in which:

FIGURE 1 is an elevational-sectional side view of a drum-and-tub assembly embodying the invention;

FIGURE 2 is an elevational end view of the assembly shown in FIGURE l;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken substantially on line 3 3 of FIG- URE 2; and

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary perspective View looking in the general direction of arrows 4 4 in FIGURE 2.

L (FIGURE i).

ice

With more particular reference to the drawing, the illustrated drum-and-tub `assembly 1() comprises a perforated cylindrical drum 12 adapted to rotate about a substantially horizontal axis within a cylindrical liquid-retaining tub 14. For that purpose a rigid shaft 15 which is aflixed to the rearward end wall 16 of the drum 12, extends axially of the latter and passes through a bearing structure 17 incorporated in a cover me-mber 18 adapted to close the rearward open end 19 of the tub 14. A pulley 20 is keyed or otherwise secured rigidly to the outer end of the shaft 15 and -is disposed for association with the customary motor driven means) not shown) for rotatably driving the drum at required speeds during washing, rinsing, :and water-extracting operations of the machine.

As fhereinbefore indicated, washing and rinsing of the fabric articles contained within the perforated drum 12 is accomplished by rotating said drum to tumble the fabric articles in liquid which lls the drum-and-tub assembly to a predetermined level as represented by the line The liquid is retained within the tub 14 and enters the drum 12 through the perforations thereof. In accordance with the present invention there is provided a clamping .and sealing structure whereby the cover member 1S of the ldrum-and-tub assembly is securely anchored and forms part of a seal arrangement to prevent leakage of liquid at the juncture of said cover member with the drum 12.

In the illustrated embodiment the clamping and sealing structure is provided by means of a collar extension 22 at the open rear end portion of the tub 14 which extension is formed with an internally directed annular marginal flange 23. 'Ihis ilange faces a rim 24 of the cover member and, as is more clearly seen in FIGURE 3, of the drawing, a flexible packing -consisting of an annular resilient gasket 25 is adapted to be compressed by function of a clamping strap 26 in the manner to be presently described.

The strap 26 is in the form of an annular band which is split as indicated at 27 yand which has two generally right angularly disposed clamping portions 28 and 29, the portion 2S being adapted to encircle the collar extension 22 of the tub 14, and the portion 29 beingdisposed to embrace the rim 24 of the cover member 18. The gasket 25 has la flap portion 30 and a slitted bead portion 31, the llap portion 36 being sandwiched between the outer periphery of the collar extension 22 of the tub 14 and the inner periphery of the clam-ping portion 28 of the strap 26, and the bead portion 31 being seated on the flange 23 of said collar extension and is interposed between said flan-ge and the rim 24 of the cover member 18. As seen in the drawing, the strap portion 28 which encincles the collar extension 22 of the tub 14, is draw-n in the Igeneral direction represented by arrow A (FIGURE 3) into snug engagement with gasket portion 3G by means of a tightening element such as screw-threaded bolt 32 (FIGURE 2) whi-ch passes through tubular bosses 33 and 34 adjacent the split 27 of the strap 26.

As illustrated in FIGURE 3, the clamping portion 29 of the strap 26 which overlaps the rim 24 of the cover member 18 is adapted to be drawn into engagement with said rim to force the same, as represented by arrow B, to compress the gasket bead portion 31 for sealing the joint between said rim and the flange 23 on the collar extension 22 of the tub 14. For that purpose the collar extension 22 aforesaid is provided with a plurality of protuberances 35 preferably spaced equidistantly about and projecting radially from the circumference of said collar extension to register with slot portions 36 cut through the clamping strap portion 23 and with corresponding slot portions 36a cut through the gasket flap portion 30. As best seen in FIGURE 4, each slot portion 36 is configured and disposed to coact with a corresponding protuberance 35 in the manner of a cam or wedge to displace the strap 26 laterally in the direction represented by arrow B when said strap is forcibly dragged and displaced longitudinally in the direction represented by arrow C. Thus the clamping strap 26 subjects the sealing gasket 25 to progressive and uniform pressure in effecting the water-tight seal.

In order to displace the strap 26 in the manner aforesaid, there is provided a latch bolt 38 having a T-section 39 at one end and a threaded shank section 4i) at the other end. The T-section is hinged in bearing loops 41 of a bolt-retaining member 42 which is aflixed to the clamping strap 26, whereas lthe threaded shank section 40 of said bolt passes through a washer 43 abutting wings 44 of a bracket 4S. This bracket is rigid with the tub collar extension 22, the wings 44 projecting through an apertured portion 46 in the strap portion 28 and through a corresponding apertured portion 46a in the gasket portion 30. A nut 47 or similar tightening element in engagement with the threaded shank section 40 of the bolt 38 is disposed to bear upon the washer 43 so that tightening of said nut causes the strap 26 to slide rotatably about the tub extension 22 in the aforesaid direction represented by arrow C. With this rotational displacement of the strap 26, the associated protuberances 35 and camming slot portions 36 cooperate to slide said strap Vlaterally in the aforementioned direction of arrow B to force said strap and the cover rim 24 toward the tub extension flange 23 so as to compress the sealing gasket 25 in the manner and for the purpose stated above.

In practicing the invention, the drum 12 is inserted into the tub 14 through the open end I9 thereof so that the rim 24 of the cover member 18 comes to rest upon the outer side of the gasket bead portion 3l. The split band or strap 26 is then positioned to overlie the iiap portion 30 of the gasket and to engage the rim 24 of the cover member 18, the bolt 32 having been removed or loosened suiciently to permit spreading the strap to an extent necessary for that purpose and also to provide for engagement of the slotted portions 36 with the protuberances 35 and of the apertured portion 46 with the bracket wings 44.

After the strap 26 has been positioned as stated above, the bolt 32 is partially tightened to insure retention of said strap while permitting relative rotational movement thereof. Thereafter the latch bolt 38 carried by the clamping strap 26 is brought into operative position wherein, the washer 43 on the latch bolt 3S overlies the wings 44 of the bracket 4S fixed to the tub extension 22, so that upon tightening the nut 47 against said washer, said strap 26 operates to compress the gasket and establish the water-tight seal at the jointure of the tub 14 and closure member 18 in the manner previously described. Finally, the bolt 32 in engagement within the bosses 33 and 34 is tightened so that the strap 26 is snugly drawn and immovably locked in clamping position.

From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that not only does the structure of the invention facilitate the mounting of the tumbler drum 12 within tub 14 and insures the provision of a water-tight seal between said tub and the drum-carrying and tub-closing cover member 18, but that said structure further makes it possible readily to remove said drum from the tub should repair and replacement require such removal. In this latter respect it will be appreciated that merely by loosening the nut 47 to free the latch bolt '38 as indicated in broken lines in FIGURE 4, and by loosening the bolt 32 to permit spreading and removal of the strap 28 from its clamping position, then the cover member 18 and drum 12 can be removed outwardly from the tub 14 through the open end 19 thereof.

Although a preferred embodiment has been shown and described, it will be recognized that the invention is not limited to specific structures of this embodiment but ernbraces such changes and variations as come within the scope of the subjoined claims.

What I claim is:

l. Fabric laundering apparatus comprising a tub having an open end, a cover member closing said open end, a strap having two portions disposed generally at right angles with respect to each other, one of said portions encircling said tub adjacent the mentioned end thereof, the other of said .portions overlapping said cover member, compressible sealing material interposed between said tub and said one of said portions and between said end and said cover member, camming slots in said one of said strap portions, protuberances on said tub adjacent said end and disposed in engagement with said slots to displace said strap laterally to force said cover member in a direction for compressing said material between said end and said other of said portions in response to rotational movement of said strap about said tub, means including a latch `bolt connected to said tub and to said strap for imparting rotational movement to the latter, said strap having terminal ends located one adjacent the other, and means including a tie-bolt interconnecting said terminal ends to tighten said strap for compressing said material between said tub and said one of said strap portions.

2. Fabric laundering apparatuscomprising a tub having an open end, a cover member closing said open end, a strap having two vportions disposed generally at right angles with respect to each other, one of said portions encircling said tub adjacent the mentioned end thereof, the other of said portions overlapping said cover member, compressible sealing material interposed between said tub and said .one of said portions and between said end and said cover member, means for displacing said strap and cover member in a direction for compressing said material between said end and said other of said portions in response to rotational movement of said strap about said tub, means including a latch bolt between said tub and said strap forimparting rotational movement to the latter, said strap having a transverse split, and a tie bolt spanning said split to tighten said strap for compressing said material between said tub and said one of said strap portions.

3. Fabric ,laundering apparatus comprising a tub having an open end provided with a collar extension terminated in a marginal flange, a cover member for closing said open end and having a rim adapted to confront said iiange, a compressible sealing gasket having a iiap section and a bead section, said flap section embracing said extension, said bead section being interposed between said flange and said rim, a strap having two portions disposed generally at right angles with respect to each other, one of said portions overlying said flap section, the other of said portions overlapping said rim, means for displacing said strap laterally to force said cover member in a direction for compressing said bead section in response to movement of said strap about said extension, means for imparting said movement to said strap, and means for tightening said strap to compress said flap section between said extension and said one of said strap portions.

4. Fabric laundering apparatus comprising a tub having an open end provided vwith a collar extension terminated in a ange, a cover member closing said open end and having a rim adapted to confront said flange, a compressible sealing gasket ihaving a flap section and a bead section, said ilap section embracing said extension, said bead section being interposed between said flange and said rim, a strap having two portions disposed generally at right angles with respect to each other, one of said portions overlying said flap section, the other of said portions overlapping said rim, camming portions between said tub and said strap for displacing the latter laterally to force said cover member in a direction for compressing said bead section in response to movement of said strap about said extension, means for imparting said movement to said strap, and means for tightening said strap to compress said ap portion between said extension and said one of said strap portions.

5. Fabric laundering apparatus comprising a tub having an open end provided with a collar extension terminated in a marginal ange, a cover member closing said open end and having a rim adapted to confront said flange, a compressible sealing gasket having a flap section and a bead section, said ap section embracing said extension, said bead section being interposed between said ange and said rim, a strap having two portions disposed generally at right angles with respect to each other, one of said portions overlying said ap section, the other of said portions overlapping said rim, means for displacing said strap laterally to force said cover in a direction for compressing said bead section between said ilange and rim in response to movement of said strap about said extension, means including a latch bolt connected to said extension and strap to impart said movement to the latter, and means for tightening said strap to compress said material between said end and said one of said strap portions.

6. Fabric laundering apparatus comprising a tub having an open end provided with a collar extension terminated in a marginal ange, a cover member closing said open end and having a rim adapted to confront said flange, a compressible sealing gasket having a ap section and a bead section, said ap section embracing said extension, said bead section being interposed between said flange and said rim, a strap having two portions disposed generally at right angles with respect to each other, one of said portions overlying said flap section, the other of said portions overlapping said rim, means including camming slots in said strap and protuberances on said extension in engagement with said slots for displacing said strap laterally to force said cover member in a direction for compressing said bead portion between said flange and rim in response to movement of said strap about said extension, means for imparting said movement to said strap, and means for tightening said strap to compress said flap portion between said extension and said one of said strap portions.

References Cited in the iile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,083,503 Nelson June 8, 1937 2,173,603 Dodge Sept. 19, 1939 2,426,078 Bassett Aug. 19, 1947 2,805,795 Barnes Sept. 10, 1957 2,883,083 Terry Apr. 21, 1959 

1. FABRIC LAUNDERING APPARATUS COMPRISING A TUB HAVING AN OPEN END, A COVER MEMBER CLOSING SAID OPEN END, A STRAP HAVING TWO PORTIONS DISPOSED GENERALLY AT RIGHT ANGLES WITH RESPECT TO EACH OTHER, ONE OF SAID PORTIONS ENCIRCLING SAID TUB ADJACENT THE MENTIONED END THEREOF, THE OTHER OF SAID PORTIONS OVERLAPPING SAID COVER MEMBER, COMPRESSIBLE SEALING MATERIAL INTERPOSED BETWEEN SAID TUB AND SAID ONE OF SAID PORTIONS AND BETWEEN SAID END AND SAID COVER MEMBER, CAMMING SLOTS IN SAID ONE OF SAID STRAP PORTIONS, PROTUBERANCES ON SAID TUB ADJACENT SAID END AND DISPOSED IN ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID SLOTS TO DISPLACE SAID STRAP LATERALLY TO FORCE SAID COVER MEMBER IN A DIRECTION FOR COMPRESSING SAID MATERIAL BETWEEN SAID END AND SAID OTHER OF SAID PORTIONS IN RESPONSE TO ROTATIONAL MOVEMENT OF SAID STRAP ABOUT SAID TUB, MEANS INCLUDING A LATCH BOLT CONNECTED TO SAID TUB AND TO SAID STRAP FOR IMPARTING ROTATIONAL MOVEMENT TO THE LATTER, SAID STRAP HAVING TERMINAL ENDS LOCATED ONE ADJACENT THE OTHER, AND MEANS INCLUDING A TIE-BOLT INTERCONNECTING SAID TERMINAL ENDS TO TIGHTEN SAID STRAP FOR COMPRESSING SAID MATERIAL BETWEEN SAID TUB AND SAID ONE OF SAID STRAP PORTIONS. 